Strong winds hit Wilmington as possibility of snow looms

Published: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 5:05 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 9:58 p.m.

While the possibility of snow loomed across the area Tuesday, heavy winds were likely to have a larger impact into Wednesday, said a National Weather service meteorologist.

Speaking Tuesday night, Stephen Keebler said the National Weather Service's Wilmington office had not yet seen any precipitation, but had observed peak wind speeds of 39 mph and sustained gusts of 30 mph at Wilmington International Airport.

"It's gonna blow like this probably for the next 12 to 16 hours," Keebler said, adding there had already been some reports of trees down and power flickering.

Temperatures also plummeted Tuesday night, falling from a high of 70 degrees in the early afternoon to 45 degrees at 7:53 p.m.

A National Weather Service forecast said temperatures Wednesday morning were expected to range between 28 and 35 degrees at their lowest.

While the temperature fell Tuesday evening, light rain and drizzle advanced on the area from the northwest, and Wilmington had a 50 percent chance of precipitation overnight.

If snow does fall, a NWS forecast said, mild surface and soil temperatures should prevent it from sticking.

No matter what weather comes, the area's roads will be clear, according to a N.C. Department of Transportation release.

Crews across Southeastern North Carolina, including Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, have resources including brine, salt and sand available to them, the release said. They will be on standby into the night.

As part of dry runs conducted this fall, according to the release, crews have traveled their routes to familiarize themselves before inclement weather happens.

The DOT will not brine roads before the weather comes because the pavement is warm and the weather is forecast to begin as rain before possibly turning to snow, according to the release.

<p>While the possibility of snow loomed across the area Tuesday, heavy winds were likely to have a larger impact into Wednesday, said a National Weather service meteorologist.</p><p>Speaking Tuesday night, Stephen Keebler said the National Weather Service's Wilmington office had not yet seen any precipitation, but had observed peak wind speeds of 39 mph and sustained gusts of 30 mph at <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/TOPIC9917"><b>Wilmington International Airport</b></a>.</p><p>"It's gonna blow like this probably for the next 12 to 16 hours," Keebler said, adding there had already been some reports of trees down and power flickering.</p><p>Temperatures also plummeted Tuesday night, falling from a high of 70 degrees in the early afternoon to 45 degrees at 7:53 p.m. </p><p>A National Weather Service forecast said temperatures Wednesday morning were expected to range between 28 and 35 degrees at their lowest.</p><p>While the temperature fell Tuesday evening, light rain and drizzle advanced on the area from the northwest, and Wilmington had a 50 percent chance of precipitation overnight.</p><p>If snow does fall, a NWS forecast said, mild surface and soil temperatures should prevent it from sticking.</p><p>No matter what weather comes, the area's roads will be clear, according to a N.C. Department of Transportation release.</p><p>Crews across Southeastern North Carolina, including Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, have resources including brine, salt and sand available to them, the release said. They will be on standby into the night.</p><p>As part of dry runs conducted this fall, according to the release, crews have traveled their routes to familiarize themselves before inclement weather happens.</p><p>The DOT will not brine roads before the weather comes because the pavement is warm and the weather is forecast to begin as rain before possibly turning to snow, according to the release.</p><p>Adam Wagner: 343-2096</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @adamwagner1990</p>